EcologyOriginally imported from the Americas and cultivated. Now also found in
undisturbed and disturbed forests (gardens) up to 100 m altitude. Often near (or
even on) beaches and in keranga forest, but also in mixed dipterocarp forests.
Usually on sandy soils.

UsesAll parts of the plant contain an irritant skin poison. On heating this
substance is destroyed. The nut is edible (cashew nut) after heating (boiling or
roasting). The swollen stalk of the fruit can be eaten raw. Various parts of the
tree are used as medicine.

DistributionPan-tropical. In Borneo found in Sarawak, Brunei, Sabah, East- and
South-Kalimantan.